270 MARINE PRODUCTS OF COMMERCE 



weight of about 800 pounds. These reels of cast brass are mountable on either end 

 of a Monel metal shaft fitted on a galvanized base machine standing 33 inches 

 high and 42 inches wide. This head, with reels, can be swiveled to allow the line 

 to run out straight over the stern and then turn to reel in over the starboard rail 

 without forcing an extra bend in the line as it comes in. A clutch and brake is 

 fitted to each spool for greater operating efficiency. A three-speed transmission 

 permits a selection of reel speeds as the gear piles upon the spool and requires 

 only about one horsepower to run. The drive can be attached to existing deck 

 shafting or a shaft run direct from the engine. 



The method of hooking the gangions on as the line goes out is relatively simple 

 as well as safe. Baited gangions are laid in a box with all the hooks at one end. 

 While one man controls the wire speed, another, standing beside him and facing 

 the line, grasps the hook point up with one hand and the snap with the other. 

 As the lines moves by, he simply hooks the snap on with his right hand and swings 

 the hook away from him with his left hand, while at the same time clearing to 

 pick up the next gangion. In hauling back the comparatively short gangions enable 

 the man tending the roller to gaff fish without having to reach over the rail or 

 draw up slack as he brings the fish over the rail into the checkers. 



This type of gear offers particular advantages in line trolling in which it is still 

 in an experimental stage; where only two lines are run, it is a simple matter to set 

 one line off each reel with the lines controlled by the clutch and brake built into 

 the machine in one unit. This rig makes it possible to operate the gear faster 

 and more easily with less crew, or more gear if the present crew members are 

 employed. 



Eel Pots. The common eel is found in brackish waters along the Atlantic Coast, 

 the commercial fishery extending from Maine to North Carolina. Average annual 

 catches amount to one million pounds, valued at approximately $100,000.00. 



Fig. 13-29. Eel pot, showing inner funnels. 



EEL POT 



Gear employed in the taking of eels commercially varies to a considerable 

 degree since any apparatus, such as spears, hook and line, or gear capable of catch- 

 ing or holding fish, may be used. However, traps or pots are predominant in 

 this field. There are several types of traps, but their features are almost identical, 

 as will be noted. 



Galvanized wire-mesh pots, in the form of a cylinder 30 inches long by 

 10 inches in diameter, are most popular in the North Atlantic area. The meshes 

 are /2-inch square, 16-gauge galvanized wire, secured to iron rings. One end has 

 a cover, held in place by a clasp to permit the removal of the eels after they enter. 

 Entrance is gained through a funnel made of cotton netting, another inside funnel 

 prevents the fish from escaping. These pots are baited and set in rows, each 

 having a Manila hauling line which is buoyed. Fishing is usually conducted in 



